A Brief History of Held Gear

Held Gear is an owner-operated fashion brand based in Tucson, Arizona, sourcing durable USA-made materials never derived from animals.

It was founded on a vision for a more sustainable future by vegan artist activist Micah Perry, in 2007. Micah diverted short cut unused conveyor belting from the landfill to innovate the Held Vegan Belt, as well as wrist cuffs and collars.

Micah began selling his new product at local markets, and in 2008 established a retail storefront on Alberta Street in Portland, Oregon, as well as an online store with the new, hip marketplace for handmade goods known as Etsy.

First public market in 2017.
Held on the road in Ann Arbor

Including the retail front, Portland Saturday Markets, and special events for artisan and vegan vendors, Micah produced and sold hundreds of units in a short time.

Also in 2008, Micah was diagnosed with cancer. Treatment protracted a decade. He persevered with the help of his community, first moving the retail shop closer to home, but ultimately closing it in 2012. The business scaled down but survived online, expanding to Amazon, earning five-star reviews just like the Etsy store.

While recovering from the first round of treatment, in 2009 Micah was introduced to Sean Ongley (that’s me) as a potential sponsor for the indie music and arts festival called No.Fest. Held gave a few units for the raffle, I ended up winning the classic black, becoming a preacher for the brand. I continued to wear that belt until 2018.

In 2017, Micah relocated to the village of Why, Arizona. He lives a healthy, peaceful life with an informal wildlife refuge adjacent to preserved indigenous land.

I helped him close the storefront in 2012. I visited him every winter in Arizona since 2018, the same year that I moved from Portland to Philadelphia. In 2022, when I learned he wanted to pass on the brand, I volunteered to do it.

Out at some random market
Modeling the new original art print sweater.
Day Jawn, the first market in Philly

Juggling the brand into my life coming out of the covid era in Philly, there was a broad sense of optimism and excitement in the air, and I brought the brand to numerous markets while expanding the online presence of the brand. I have sold more than a hundred units since then, earning many more positive reviews.

Then it got difficult to focus on the business, as happened to Micah many times. For personal, family-related reasons, it became necessary to move back to Arizona. Although the business seems to always have its fits and starts, I proudly carry on the Held legacy with its classic product line, focused on belts, wrist cuffs, and collars. I am seeking new designs within that category, as well as opportunities to expand into apparel.

Held Gear is owned as the registered DBA of THRU LLC, in the heart of downtown Tucson.

This brand always stood against the tide of fast fashion and will only reinforce itself as a standard bearer for ethics in apparel.